Lonnie R. McNatt

LONNIE RAY MCNATT. 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday morning, Jan.28, 2017, just a couple weeks short of celebrating his 18th anniversary of living with a heart transplant. Lonnie is preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Shari McNatt Moody, and his parents, Roby and Vera McNatt. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy Vinson McNatt, his youngest daughter, Vicki McNatt Pickering, his grandson, Tyler Moody, his granddaughters, Sarah and Emily Pickering and countless family members and life-long friends. Lonnie was born and raised in Brookland, Ark. and graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor's degree in agriculture education and a master's degree in vocational education. He had a successful career, starting as an agriculture teacher in Clarendon then Pocahontas and went on to be assistant director of Delta Vocational School in Marked Tree and director of White River Vocational School in Newport. He was promoted to Coordinator of Vocational Technical Schools, Deputy Director of Vocational Education and Director of Vocational Education serving on Governor Bill Clinton's cabinet in Little Rock. He was passionate about the value of vocational education for the benefit of our country, and he fought tirelessly to promote what he believed. First and foremost, Lonnie was a family man. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, his daughters and his grandchildren always making sure that life was fun. He loved taking them camping, waterskiing and on vacations all over the country. His favorite place was his home in Violet Hill where he created a wonderful place for his family to hunt, ride four wheelers and enjoy life. He was involved in many different things in life, including being a rodeo announcer, a city alderman, a cattleman, and a traveler. He lived a full life, filled with many blessings. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Patty Soward officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of all services. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Brent Weaver, Mike Estes, John Vinson, Derek Vinson, Ted McNatt, and Chuck Moody. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12-2 p.m. in the Emerson Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Arkansas Children's Hospital 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72202 and Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fla. 33607. Online Registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com